What is SSIC Code & ROC in Singapore?

Navigating Singapore’s business registration starts with selecting the correct SSIC code—your Singapore Standard Industrial Classification code—which categorizes your company’s primary economic activity. This 5-digit, hierarchical code (based on ISIC but tailored by the Department of Statistics) isn’t just bureaucratic red tape; it determines your licence requirements, eligibility for grants and tax incentives, and even loan approvals. Meanwhile, ACRA (the Registrar of Companies, or ROC) enforces compliance under the Companies Act, so getting your SSIC code right from the start is crucial.

ACRA SSIC code selection affects everything from statistical tracking to long-term strategy. Mistakes or mismatches—common SSIC code errors—can delay applications and trigger fines. Whether you run a café (SSIC code 56112) or a fintech startup (SSIC code 63120), this guide covers what SSIC code is, why SSIC code importance matters, how to find SSIC code Singapore, and how to update SSIC code Singapore when your business evolves.

What Are SSIC Codes in Singapore?

SSIC codes reflect your principal revenue-generating activity and aggregate industry data for government and market analysis. Each code is up to five digits and follows a hierarchy: 21 broad categories (A–U), divided into 3-digit divisions, 4-digit groups, and 5-digit classes. For example:

• 56: Food and beverage service activities
• 561: Restaurants, cafés, food courts
• 56112: Cafés

This SSIC code hierarchy ensures precision when comparing activities—helpful for benchmarking and competitive analysis. SSIC vs ISIC highlights that while ISIC provides the global framework, Singapore’s SSIC code list Singapore adapts categories to local nuances, updating regularly to accommodate emerging industries.

Authorities use SSIC codes to:

• Manage statistical analysis and track economic trends
• Determine licence requirements and regulatory oversight
• Qualify businesses for grants, tax incentives, and subsidies
• Evaluate SSIC code for loan application or grant application submissions

The government in Singapore uses SSIC codes to track the number of business activities in each category. The authorities update these codes regularly based on changes in business activities by the business owners. The purpose is to make certain that the codes:

• Keep up with changes in international standards
• Reflect key changes in the economy
• Stay informed about new activities

In addition to these purposes, authorities also use these codes for:

• Determining whether the company’s business activities require any further licenses
• Determining if a corporation qualifies for special tax benefits

Most Common SSIC Code List Singapore

The following is a non-exhaustive list of the most common SSIC codes according to their respective categories:

How Do I Search for My SSIC Code?

Here is a step-by-step guide to figuring out what your new company’s SSIC code should be.

Go to the Bizfile website of the Singapore government.

• Click search after entering the core terms that best define your company’s activity
• A number of SSIC categories should be listed on the website – choose the one that most closely resembles your company
• Make sure your keywords are not misspelled and that they are the ones that people use the most when talking about your business
• If the system fails to generate an SSIC code, try different keyword combinations for better results
• You can also manually search for your SSIC code as a last step. This paper contains all of the SSIC categories that are relevant to specific business activities.

The list of SSIC codes can be found on ACRA’s keyword search engine. Click on the link to find out which type of business category you should input in your principal activity!

How Do I Input the Right SSIC Code?

Naturally, while choosing your SSIC code for your company’s primary activities, it is preferable to choose one that corresponds to the activities for which you are seeking a business license.

If your organisation is a financial holding company, for example, the SSIC code 64201 would be appropriate. You can then apply for the requisite license to conduct business within Singapore’s borders.

Keep in mind, however, that Singapore’s Inland Revenue levies a high corporate tax on holding companies. They are also ineligible for the majority of tax deductions.

Finally, a specific description of your business activity for your business profile is a good idea. It is not necessary for this description to be longer than one page. The SSIC standard description is not required because ACRA enables for a more accurate business activity description to be written during registration.

How to Change SSIC Code in Singapore

To change a company’s SSIC Code, the company secretary needs to apply to Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). The SSIC Code can only be updated after incorporation is complete. There is no maximum number of times to which the code can be altered.

Limitations of the SSIC Code for Singaporean Companies

Every company must hold at least one SSIC code; most use one primary and, optionally, one secondary code. However, businesses can register a maximum of two SSIC codes. If your operations span multiple activities, choose codes wisely to avoid administrative overhead:

• Primary SSIC code: Your main revenue source
• Secondary SSIC code: A significant but non-dominant line of business

How Do I Register a Company with ACRA?

All foreigners must register their Singapore company through a professional Singapore-based corporate services firm, according to Singapore company law. Singaporeans can hire a corporate services firm or do it themselves by following the steps below:

• Log in to the Bizfile site with your CorpPass or SingPass digital ID
• Make an application for the company name
• Once the name has been approved, you will be given a name approval transaction number
• Enter information about your company’s structure, such as the names and identifying information of company directors, company secretary, and shareholders; the business’s registration address; the company constitution; and so on, using the name approval transaction number.
• Make a payment for your business’s registration fee.
• You will receive an email message shortly after making the payment alerting you that your company has been successfully registered.
• This email provides your company’s Unique Entity Number (UEN), which also serves as an electronic certificate of formation.